Iron Wigs: Purple Alien

More from Mello here, as Iron Wigs (Verbal Kent, Sonnyjim, Vic Spencer) release the latest video from their debut album. Purple Alien is taken from Your Birthday’s Been Cancelled, which is available now at all the usual spots.

Vic Spencer & Sonnyjim: Spencer for HIGHER 3 (Stream)

Another solid project from Vic Spencer and Sonnyjim, as they reconnect to bring us the third instalment of Spencer for Higher. If you checked the first two releases, you will be happy to hear that this latest offering follows suit, with a whole bunch of added dope on the features. Hus Kingpin, Che Noir and Jeremiah Jae are just a few of the names on the bill, adding further heat to an album already aflame. There is also a typically tight remix from Big Ghost Ltd. to bring the album to a close. You can listen to the whole thing below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

IRON WIGS ft. Roc Marciano: Bally Animals & Rugbys

The second single from the forthcoming Iron Wigs album is out and it’s another banger. If you’re not aware, the newly formed crew is comprised of Sonnyjim, Vic Spencer and Verbal Kent, with Sonny on full production duties. That production is sounding on point on this latest joint, which also features a typically tight verse from Roc Marci. The full album is due for release on 27 June on Mello Music.

IRON WIGS ft. CRIMEAPPLE: Problematic + LP News

As I’ve mentioned before, Mello Music are announcing a seemingly endless stream of new music at the moment, and the roster continues to grow thanks to the arrival of IRON WIGS. The three man crew is comprised of Sonnyjim, Vic Spencer and Verbal Kent, with Sonny handling full production duties on their forthcoming album. The first taste of that album was released this week, in the form of the CRIMEAPPLE assisted, Problematic. The brilliantly titled, Your Birthday is Cancelled, is due for release on 27 June.

Spectacular Diagnostics: Raw Unknown (Stream)

A big release here from the prolific Chicago producer with the excellent name, Spectacular Diagnostics, as he unveils his Raw Unknown album. SD has managed to amass a hefty list of features for the album, including guest spots from Quelle Chris, billy woods, Vic Spencer, Koncept Jack$on, Rome Streetz and Sadhu Gold, plus a nice little handstyle from Kid Acne on the artwork. You can stream Raw Unknown for yourself in full below.

Vic Spencer & Sonnyjim: Record Row/General Consensus

Two for one on the latest video from Vic Spencer and Sonnyjim. Record Row and General Consensus are both taken from the duo’s sophomore colaboration, Spencer or Higher 2, which was released at the start of the year.

Chong Wizard: The Soul Stone

Vancouver’s favourite mixtape wizard, Chong Wizard, assembles a particularly strong line-up for his latest project. The Soul Stone manages to cram in some superb features into just six tracks, with artists like Vic Spencer, Juga-Naut, El Ay and Vandal Savage all stepping up to the plate. You can hear the full release below and downloads/physicals are available over on Bandcamp.

Zilla Rocca: 96 Mentality (Stream)

As reported the other day, Zilla Rocca returned to the fore last week with a new project and I am pleased to report that it is a worthy addition to his already exceedingly robust repertoire. He is a true student of the culture and 96 Mentality embodies everything that comes with that title.

Zilla Rocca ft. Vic Spencer: Spy vs. Spy

Following hot on the heels of his triumphant Future Former Rapper LP, Zilla Rocca hits us with the lead single from his forthcoming album, 96 Mentality. Spy vs. Spy sees the Wrecking Crew rapper team up with Vic Spencer, as the pair dish out some solid bars over a great beat from Ray West. You can stream the track below and expect to hear more news on the album soon.

Blockhead: Free Sweatpants (Stream)

Blockhead has been a favourite producer of mine ever since I first heard his work with Aesop Rock on Labor Days. Over the years he has maintained a steady stream of solid solo releases – Music by Cavelight and Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book, being two personal favourites – as well as some excellent production credits for some equally excellent rappers. The one thing I have always wanted to hear from him though was a production album, featuring loads of good MCs rapping their asses off, which is exactly what the New York producer delivered today.
Following on from last year’s Funeral Balloons – his debut release on his new label home, Backwoodz Studioz – Free Sweatpants merges quintessential Blockhead instrumentals, with plenty of strong features from a whole host of talented writers. As if it’s not enough having Tree, Hemlock Ernst, Aesop Rock, Armand Hammer, Homeboy Sandman, Vic Spencer and Marq Spekt involved, Blockhead kicks off the album with a track featuring Open Mike Eagle, billy woods AND Breeze Brewin. The result is as good as you would hope for and more. I spent years waiting for this album to happen and I am happy to be able to say it has surpassed all my expectations. Free Sweatpants is available to stream in full below and you find downloads over on Bandcamp.